Teens, Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse

Feb 16, 2017by Rehab After Work

Drinking or taking drugs can be harmful to anyone’s brain or body, but it can be especially harmful for teens. Since the brains and bodies of teenagers haven’t fully developed, the impact of underage drinking and substance abuse can be far greater when compared to adults.

Drug use in teens can also have harmful long-term effects, which include:3

Permanent health problems

Heart disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and lung disease

Accidents while on drugs, such as car accidents and work injuries

Violent behaviors

Worsening depression

Drug overdoses

Getting Help for Teens with Substance Abuse Problems

Evaluation

You can help a teen who is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse by seeing an addiction professional. An addiction specialist can advise you about programs that are specifically tailored to help young people into recovery.

First, a clinical evaluation assesses the teen’s condition. After the assessment, the clinician helps the family decide the type of program best for their teenager.

Treatment

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) may be the best option. It’s less restrictive than the 24/7 monitoring of inpatient rehab, allowing a teenager to continue attending school. IOP is also a good option after a young person has completed inpatient rehab, offering further support for sobriety.

IOPs provide individual and group counseling, as well as drug screening, to support teens in their sobriety efforts. Also, since addiction is a family disease, a high-quality treatment center will also offer family counseling.

Family Therapy

Family therapists conduct outpatient counseling sessions with a teen’s loved ones. Sessions can be individual or treat sets of family members together. Loved ones can also meet in larger groups.

Take the First Step

Begin the process of helping your teen to heal from addiction by contacting a healthcare professional for more information. Professional help starts the recovery journey for your teenager and the rest of your family.

Contact Rehab After Work and get confidential help.

Accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted by Rehab After Work. One of our experienced intake professionals will contact you shortly to discuss your treatment and recovery options. We respect your privacy, and all information shared with us is completely confidential.